We have here for review, some of the best open headphones in the sub $400 price range. The AKG K7XX, a massdrop exclusive, and some dynamite headphones.
For the tech-centric community, here are the specs:
Configured by Massdrop
Manufactured by AKG
Open-back construction
Pre-selected dynamic transducers
Flat-wire voice coil
Varimotion two-layer diaphragm
Genuine leather headband
Memory foam earpads with velour covering
Individually tested and numbered
Detachable 9.8 ft (3 m) straight cable with 1/8 in (3.5 mm) jack
Frequency response: 10 to 39,800 Hz
Sensitivity: 105 dB/V
Maximum input power: 200 mW
Rated impedance: 62 Ohms
8.3 oz (235 g)
Straight from Massdrop, they have this to say about these headphones
Our first custom headphones ever, the Massdrop x AKG K7XX have been an enduring community favorite since they first launched more than two years ago. Since then, they’ve received praise from Head-Fi, Super Best Audio Friends, Z Reviews, and more for offering a rare value in the world of open-back cans. Inspired by the legendary AKG K702 65th-anniversary edition, this rendition features the same dynamic driver technology and superior build quality—plus a few updates in the sound and comfort departments.
Build, Specs, Comfort
Lets get this out of the way first. These are THE most comfortable headphones I have every worn. Not just pretty comfortable, I mean, you will be able to wear these longer than any other headphones and will at times forget that you are even wearing them. I can safely wear these 8 hours with zero discomfort. The secret to their comfort is pretty simple, enormous ear cups, and huge memory foam material under the ear cup felt. the headband feels nice as well, very easy to put on, and never starts to make your hair follicles hurt, unlike some headbands. The material for the earcups is very nice, and I would predict that it lasts for a long time. the headband is leather, or faux leather, and feels nice. This is the one area that might not last forever in that the headband is attached to elastic that connects to the plastic and metal frame of the headphones. Elastic has a finite lifespan, but this seems easy enough to repair if it comes to that eventually.
Overall, the construction is pretty good. Definitely doesn’t feel like the most elegant material, but the are definitely light weight, and don’t feel too cheap. So far, I have had these for a couple of years and the construction is holding up very well. No issues there.
The headphone cord is detachable, which I love for all headphones. Unfortunately, all manufacturers don’t put a premium on this detachability, and you take it where you can get it. The headphone jack is 3.5mm native, but comes with a 1/4 inch attachment that most Amps take.
going into the headphones is a proprietary female 3 prong connector seen below. This works well as it connect tightly to the headphones, but can be a little tricky to attach sometimes, just make sure the prongs on the headphones are properly aligned, and you should have no issues.
Sound
The most surprising aspect of sound from these bad boys, is the enormous soundstage. The huge soundstage is the biggest element that everyone agrees upon with these headphones, and is not up for debate. Whether you can find a headphone with wider soundstage is certainly feasible, but I haven’t head one. For those who don’t know what soundstage is, it is kind of difficult to describe. I would say sound stage is the quality and direction of sound. Using a scenario from my own experience, listening to a movie with these headphones on, when a sound is meaning to come from a direction on screen like from behind the camera, it really sounds like it is behind you. For instance, listening to things with three dimensional sound, I consistently am turning around to see that that sound is really coming from behind me (it’s not).
You can find the headphones here at MassDrop. However, at the time of writing this article in August 2017, the drop is currently inactive. Meaning you will have to wait for it to come back, or head to the used headphones market. (not a bad idea here, as these are limited, and fantastic).
AKG K7XX Headphones
$200
Pros
- Huuuge Soundstage
- very comfortable
- competitively priced
Cons
- open-ness
- looks
